Page 79 of Dragon Eternal (Dragon Kings 4)
He jolted at the sound of Shaw’s voice in his head. “Aye?”
“I’ve been calling your name for some time. What’s going on?”Shaw asked angrily.
Merrill opened his eyes and took a deep breath. The rage began to ebb as he looked around the pub at the human faces lined with worry. “More soldiers.”
“That’s why you didna answer me?”
“What’s going on? Do you need my help?”The best way not to answer something was to ask another question.
Shaw went silent, letting Merrill know he knew what Merrill had done. “We’re going to the citadel in less than an hour.”
“They’re expecting something from one or both of us if the soldiers are any indication. I suppose you heard the bells?”
“We did. What did your contact in the army tell you?”
“Nothing. I can no’ find him.”
“That’s worrying.”
Merrill grunted in agreement.
“Others with magic could be working with the Divine, so be careful,” Shaw said.
“Always.”
“Merrill, I need to know that you’re okay.”
For a heartbeat, he considered revealing his thoughts to Shaw but then decided against it. “I’m good.”
“I’ve alerted Cullen. He’s passing on everything to Con and the twins.”
“Shaw, they’ll try to kill Nia.”
Shaw paused. “They’ll try.”
“Are you sure you should let her go?”
“She has to do this. But I’m no’ leaving without her.”
“Understood.”
“If I can no’ get to her—”
“I’ll find her,” Merrill finished.
“They’re going to separate us. I had thought to find her, but I know the best thing is for her to leave the citadel and get to the lower levels and you.”
“I agree.”
“Take her to the canyon. I’ll meet you there.”
Merrill sighed. “You’d better come quickly, because if you doona, Cullen and I will return.”
“I doona plan on hanging around.”
Shaw severed the link. Merrill pushed away from the wall and walked to the window for a better view. The Divine had an iron grip on this city.
It was time to break it.
* * *
Cullen emerged from the hidden door in the canyon while Tamlyn and Sian moved the children—and themselves—to a secure area of the underground city. He climbed the canyon quickly and easily thanks to his strength and speed. When he reached the top, he stared at the forest separating him from Stonemore.
He heard a sound behind him and turned to find Nari. The wildcat made low, growling sounds as she paced back and forth, her gaze locked on the forest.
“You sense what’s coming, too,” he said to the cat.
Nari glanced his way with her green eyes before walking to stand near him.
“This isna really your fight. No’ that I wouldna appreciate the help, but I’d rather you stay here and guard the city.”
The wildcat sat and flicked her long, black tail.
Cullen chuckled. “I doona like sitting out of a battle, either. I’m hoping this doesna turn into one,” he said as he looked at the city. “But it seems the Divine wants something, and he’s tired of waiting.”
When he glanced down, Nari was gone. Cullen looked for her and found the cat already down the canyon and trotting to lay near the door. She camouflaged herself well behind the roots so no one could see her. He gave her a nod when she settled and looked his way. Cullen didn’t know how or why the wildcat had befriended him, but he liked it.
His smile faded as he focused on Stonemore. He was ready to shift and fly to the city to aid his friends. Since he would like a word with the Divine himself, Cullen really hoped Shaw or Merrill called for him.
* * *
